March 15, 2013

Derek Anderson re-signs with Panthers

As Cam Newton's backup, Panthers
quarterback Derek Anderson doesn't get on the field much.

But the former NFL starter and one-time
Pro Bowler knows and likes his role in Charlotte. And the Panthers
like Anderson.

The 29-year-old free agent signed a
1-year contract Friday to return to Carolina for a third season.

It's the third such 1-year deal the
Panthers have given Anderson, who was a starter for parts of five
seasons with Cleveland and Arizona.

Terms were not disclosed, although
Anderson made the veteran minimum of $825,000 last year.

Anderson went to the Pro Bowl with the
Browns in 2007, when Rob Chudzinski was Cleveland's offensive
coordinator. As the Panthers' offensive coordinator the past two
seasons, Chudzinski was instrumental in bringing Anderson to
Charlotte.

So when Chudzinski became the Browns'
coach in January, there was speculation Anderson would join him in
Cleveland. Anderson fueled the talk with a Facebook post about taking
care of some “unfinished business” with the Browns.

But he ended up back in Charlotte,
backing up the durable, 6-5, 245-pound Newton.

Anderson has played in four games in
two years with Carolina, completing all four of his passes for 58
yards. When Newton was out for several plays in a Week 17 win at New
Orleans last season, Anderson came in and moved the offense
efficiently until Newton returned.

Thanks Marty Hurney. How is it that some great teams never find themselves in salary cap purgatory while other mediocre teams live there? The answer lies in the GM. Hurney's lousy moves have hamstrung the Panthers for the foreseeable future, where they'll climb out just I'm time to see the window close for much of the talent they do have. Ugh.

Posted by: Original Panther Dan | Mar 16, 2013 1:17:51 PM

We need WR for sure now. Giants want the Carolina connect now that Gettleman is here. They sign Dan Conners and Louis Murphy. Darrius Heyward Bey and Michael Huff have their last chance to prove they can play up to their selection. They have it in them. Carolina might need to look their way.

Posted by: PanthersFan | Mar 16, 2013 3:37:25 PM

WE DON'T NEED WR's. we have 6 capable guys under contract and we really only need 2 healthy.

Posted by: charlottean | Mar 16, 2013 5:51:25 PM

Welcome back Derek. Was hoping you'd find your way back here. Now cut Clausen and Edwards and be done with it...